To My 2nd Shooter!
What is Your Role as a Second Shooter for
HT Photography
(Expectations & Tips)
To start off, thank you so much for working with me! I also want to share with you one of my favourite parts about shooting a wedding: It's working alongside another professional...YOU! And that is absolutely awesome! I mean really though, not only are you photographing another angle for me, but we get to work as a team to capture a couple's very special day. You play an important role in all of this, and so I wouldn't be able to successfully do it without you! So, again, thank you for jumping on board with HT Photography! Let's really show what we're made of, and let's have fun!
As a 2nd shooter, you are there to help take photos, and to also provide assistance, back up, and really, overall support. Your goal that day is to ensure that where I am unable to physically be, you can be there instead. You are certainly not competing for any photos, or there to "prioritize" your own portfolio. On the other hand, I am still welcoming you to bring your own sd card; this way, during those 'down times' you may take photos for your portfolio, keeping in mind the credibility outlined in the contract. Use those times cautiously because you are there to help me. If you notice that her hair is in her face, or her dress is crinkled at the end, or his phone is showing through his pocket, please help and adjust. (I may even need a reminder about taking the cap off my lens! LOL!) . Seriously though, I do strive for perfection, and my hopes is that my 2nd shooter does the same. Win! :)
Please be on-time! My suggestion? Aim to be 15-20 minutes early. In addition, please bring water and snacks (just in case!). If you need anything from me, let me know prior to the big day. We will also discuss fine details about the wedding agenda closer to the date, and specific requests on what needs to be photographed, as well as, location(s), etc. I will also prep a timeline and photo list to keep on us for the day, as well as a list of equipment and a 'touch-up-rescue' bag for the bride. Wheww, lol!
It is important that you're paying close attention to everything at all times, including where I am at. Our focus will be on the same big group of people, but our shots need to be from a different angle and focus length. For example, if I'm to the left shooting, you should work your way to the right, but without getting in the way of my lead. If I'm using a zoom lens, perhaps switch over to a prime. In addition, try to predict where I am going; this will help make the work flow smooth. It sorta reminds me of a basketball game. Rarely, you will see two players on the same team playing shoulder to shoulder, or bumping into each other. They normally spread themselves apart. When one player dribbles the ball from the top of the key, another player will quickly examine that move and run to the basket for back up. Why? This allows for rebounds and more shooting opportunities. Sounds cheesy, right? LOL! Perhaps it does, but hey, I think you get the point. Our goal is to aim for a full range of images under my brand. While I am shooting for the reactions of the bride and groom and speeches, you may want to aim for the reactions of different guests. While I am shooting the first dance, you may want to shoot Mom and/or Dad watching. Point your lens to details that others aren't seeing. Capture natural movement and the little things to make them 'big things!' Picture perfect? Yes, but more importantly? Moments. Moments that will continuously pull at their heartstrings for years to come.
With ALL of this being said, I feel that it is so important that we communicate. It's a hectic and busy day, so although I may need reminders to keep the cap off my lens, lol, it is equally important that my ears are open to you and your needs. I want to hear from you if you need anything, have suggestions, questions, or concerns. You are an amazing photographer, and like I said, this is absolutely awesome. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you, and for that, I'm grateful to have you work with me!
And well, that's it! I hope these tips and expectations help! :)
Thank you again,
HT.
As a 2nd shooter, you are there to help take photos, and to also provide assistance, back up, and really, overall support. Your goal that day is to ensure that where I am unable to physically be, you can be there instead. You are certainly not competing for any photos, or there to "prioritize" your own portfolio. On the other hand, I am still welcoming you to bring your own sd card; this way, during those 'down times' you may take photos for your portfolio, keeping in mind the credibility outlined in the contract. Use those times cautiously because you are there to help me. If you notice that her hair is in her face, or her dress is crinkled at the end, or his phone is showing through his pocket, please help and adjust. (I may even need a reminder about taking the cap off my lens! LOL!) . Seriously though, I do strive for perfection, and my hopes is that my 2nd shooter does the same. Win! :)
Please be on-time! My suggestion? Aim to be 15-20 minutes early. In addition, please bring water and snacks (just in case!). If you need anything from me, let me know prior to the big day. We will also discuss fine details about the wedding agenda closer to the date, and specific requests on what needs to be photographed, as well as, location(s), etc. I will also prep a timeline and photo list to keep on us for the day, as well as a list of equipment and a 'touch-up-rescue' bag for the bride. Wheww, lol!
It is important that you're paying close attention to everything at all times, including where I am at. Our focus will be on the same big group of people, but our shots need to be from a different angle and focus length. For example, if I'm to the left shooting, you should work your way to the right, but without getting in the way of my lead. If I'm using a zoom lens, perhaps switch over to a prime. In addition, try to predict where I am going; this will help make the work flow smooth. It sorta reminds me of a basketball game. Rarely, you will see two players on the same team playing shoulder to shoulder, or bumping into each other. They normally spread themselves apart. When one player dribbles the ball from the top of the key, another player will quickly examine that move and run to the basket for back up. Why? This allows for rebounds and more shooting opportunities. Sounds cheesy, right? LOL! Perhaps it does, but hey, I think you get the point. Our goal is to aim for a full range of images under my brand. While I am shooting for the reactions of the bride and groom and speeches, you may want to aim for the reactions of different guests. While I am shooting the first dance, you may want to shoot Mom and/or Dad watching. Point your lens to details that others aren't seeing. Capture natural movement and the little things to make them 'big things!' Picture perfect? Yes, but more importantly? Moments. Moments that will continuously pull at their heartstrings for years to come.
With ALL of this being said, I feel that it is so important that we communicate. It's a hectic and busy day, so although I may need reminders to keep the cap off my lens, lol, it is equally important that my ears are open to you and your needs. I want to hear from you if you need anything, have suggestions, questions, or concerns. You are an amazing photographer, and like I said, this is absolutely awesome. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you, and for that, I'm grateful to have you work with me!
And well, that's it! I hope these tips and expectations help! :)
Thank you again,
HT.
